The Nature of Nantucket

Maria Mitchell Association
  • 2.9 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join hosts Dr. Rich Blundell and Joanna Roche on "The Nature of Nantucket," The Maria Mitchell Association’s new podcast. They will focus on the history of Maria, the natural world of Nantucket and the dark skies above us. Learn from the talented staff, experts, and special guests who will share their stories and wisdom. 

  1. 3D AGO

    Maria Mitchell Assoc – The Nature of Nantucket – Holly Greenberg

    On this week’s episode of the Maria Mitchell Association podcast The Nature of Nantucket, host Joanna Roche speaks with Holly Greenberg—professor at Syracuse University and Director of Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene. Holly shares the story behind her public-art project raising awareness of bird deaths from window collisions, where over 10,800 handmade fabric birds visualize this hidden crisis. She also reflects on her Nantucket origin story, how the island shaped her creative journey, and her father’s early connection to the Maria Mitchell Association itself. Listeners can learn more about Holly’s work at hollygreenberg.com. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

    20 min

  2. DEC 17

    Maria Mitchell Assoc – The Nature of Nantucket – Dr. Jackie Milingo - Reflect Orbital

    On this episode, host Joanna Roche sits down with Dr. Jackie Milingo, Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association, to examine the controversial space startup Reflect Orbital. The company proposes launching a constellation of orbiting mirrors designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth, providing illumination and solar energy after sunset. Drawing from the company’s stated goals, Joanna and Dr. Milingo discuss what Reflect Orbital is trying to achieve and why many scientists believe the concept poses serious concerns for the planet, including increased light pollution, disruption to astronomical research, impacts on wildlife and ecosystems, and the growing problem of congestion and debris in Earth’s orbit. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

    18 min

  3. DEC 16

    Star Report with Geoff Clayton of the Maria Mitchell Association – The Beginning of Winter

    Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what causes the seasons.

    2 min

  4. DEC 10

    Maria Mitchell Assoc – The Nature of Nantucket – Kim Schulam

    On this episode, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association speaks with Kim Schulam, Stranding Coordinator for the Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, about the dead sperm whale that washed ashore on Nantucket’s North Shore on November 18. Kim walks us through the response process, including how her team conducted tests and examinations to learn more about the whale and what may have caused its death. She also explains the careful planning and coordination required to remove such a large marine mammal from the beach, ultimately leading to the decision to tow the whale 60 miles offshore to ensure it would not return to Nantucket’s shoreline. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

    20 min

  5. DEC 10

    Star Report with Geoff Clayton of the Maria Mitchell Association – Geminid Meteor Shower

    Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what a meteor shower is and how to see it.

    2 min

  6. DEC 3

    Maria Mitchell Assoc – The Nature of Nantucket – Jascin Finger

    This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director, curator, historian and true expert on all things Nantucket, for a nostalgic walk through MMA’s rich past. Together they revisit the stories, personalities and unforgettable characters who helped shape the organization, from the influential Edith Folger Andrews to the passionate Eileen McGrath, Elizabeth Yager and many others. It is a heartfelt conversation full of history, legacy, laughter and memories, celebrating the people who made the Maria Mitchell Association what it is today. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

    19 min

  7. DEC 2

    Star Report with Geoff Clayton of the Maria Mitchell Association – Cosmic Rays

    Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Cosmic Rays and how they affect the Earth.

    2 min

  8. NOV 25

    Star Report with Geoff Clayton of the Maria Mitchell Association – The Interstellar Comet

    Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the interstellar comet which is flying past the Earth and then out of the Solar System.

    2 min
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Ratings & Reviews

2.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Join hosts Dr. Rich Blundell and Joanna Roche on "The Nature of Nantucket," The Maria Mitchell Association’s new podcast. They will focus on the history of Maria, the natural world of Nantucket and the dark skies above us. Learn from the talented staff, experts, and special guests who will share their stories and wisdom. 

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Mitchell Association
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    361
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Nature of Nantucket
  • Show Website
    The Nature of Nantucket